| Health Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists and Optometrists in the eye clinic as part of the Surgical Care Line (SCL) providing a wide variety of detailed clinical and technical work. The Health Technician, GS-6 position at the Developmental Level I operates commonly used equipment performing basic test and procedures. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, complex patients and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or assistance. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures performed under supervision. The Health Technician will use a multidisciplinary approach to patient care working with Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, residents, students, other technicians, nurses, MSAs, other staff within the hospital setting to provide coordinated, patient centric, quality care.Clinical Responsibilities: Obtains basic medical and ophthalmic history, Measures and records visual acuity, Administers anesthetic eye drops, Performing basic tonometry (NCT and tonopen), Estimates the anterior chamber depth Records a simple spectacle reading through automated and manual lensometry. Performs basic automated visual field testing. Performs basic fundus photography of the posterior pole. Performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina and optic nerve. The Health Technician, GS-7 position at the Developmental Level 2 performs a range of diagnostic and therapeutic tasks utilizing various ophthalmic equipment and instruments. The Health Technician will use a multidisciplinary approach to patient care working with Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, residents, students, other technicians, nurses, MSAs, other staff within the hospital setting to provide coordinated, patient centric, quality care.Clinical Responsibilities: Triages patient phone calls or urgent walk ins in conjunction with a provider; Ensures exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies; Educates and instructs patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions; Accurately measures, compares, and evaluates pupillary responses; Administers eye drops including drops to dilate the pupils; Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, and axis; Performs autorefraction. Assists during minor ophthalmic surgical procedures and is adept at applying sterile technique and infection control procedures. The Full Performance Health Technician, GS-8 performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic and therapeutic tasks. The health technician assures efficient processes are in place for patient flow, clinical efficiencies, and patient satisfaction as developed by the Ophthalmology and Optometry Program Directors. The Health Technician will use a multidisciplinary approach to patient care working with Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, residents, students, other technicians, nurses, MSAs, other staff within the hospital setting to provide coordinated, patient centric, quality care.Clinical Responsibilities: Performs equipment inventory to maintain proper stock of exam room and clinic supplies. Obtains patient physical history, to include chief complaint; reason for visit; pertinent signs and symptoms; current medication allergies; past ocular and general medical history; family history both ocular and general; social history; and review of medications and allergies, including current ocular prescription and non-prescription medications. Accurately measures visual acuity at distance and near with and without a pinhole. Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. Performs pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation. Instills eye medications (drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilating drops, cycloplegic drops, or antibiotics). Measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry. Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or corneal topography to determine corneal curvature. Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using an IOL Master. Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines. Performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment, retina and optic nerve. Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions. Assists during clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, including but not limited to intra-vitreous injections and laser surgical procedures. Educates patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions.. Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection following manufacturer's instructions and RME policies. Calibration, maintenance, backup, annual inventory and ordering of instruments, supplies and equipment; obtains quotes as needed; and reports needed repairs to biomedical engineering. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required |
